The word "piano" originates from the Italian term "pianoforte," which means "soft-loud." The name reflects the instrument’s unique ability to produce sounds at varying volumes based on the player's touch. This versatility distinguishes the piano from earlier keyboard instruments like the harpsichord, which produced sounds at a fixed volume. The term "pianoforte" was first used in the early 18th century, when Bartolomeo Cristofori invented the instrument around 1700. Over time, the name was shortened to just "piano," but the essence of its dynamic capabilities remains inherent in its identity.